#investigating lois lane

[gothamnewsnetwork-official]

The CIA vs Clark Kent; the mark of a journalist

Our story tonight takes us out of Gotham City and lands us in Metropolis (see related articles), nicknamed the Gilded City by many of its residents and Gothamites alike.

Recently concerns have been raised surrounding a well known reporter, Clark Kent, and the potential threats posed to his life by our own government. There have been several notable articles of his critiquing the US government as well as two notable anonymous attempts on his life as of late, this combination has led to many netizens speculating that he may be falling victim to the reporters curse (see related articles).

The reporters curse is the nickname for a well known conspiracy stating that the CIA has a tendency to eliminate investigative journalists that get to close to the ‘truth’ and/or are gaining to much sway when criticizing governmental agencies and decisions.

There have been many a case of this happening, many of which are simply speculative but the CIA has admitted to committing a fair swath of these assassinations as well (see related articles). Many of these unconfirmed incidents have enough evidence that many people believe this theory to be fact.

Mr. Kent is an investigative journalist for The Daily Planet (see related articles), a newspaper based in Metropolis and a subsidiary of Wayne Enterprises. His career spans nearly two decades and his history of finding the truth regardless of danger fits the profile of those fallen to the reporters curse to a T.

Mr. Kent was the inspiration for many modern journalists, though the man not even 50. Most journalists have to live and die by their work before reaching a fraction of the influence Mr. Kent has had over the world of journalism.

Whatever the case may be for whoever is behind the two recent attacks on Mr. Kent’s life, we urge the journalist to take precautions and want to thank him for his service.

Let us know your thoughts on the topic (here)

Gotham Reports is certified in unbiased, reliable, and fair journalism

See the post that inspired this article (here)

[kara-zor-els]

Lois has truly never had a bad look

[sisaloofafump]

It isn’t much now, but Bruce Wayne and Lois Lane will look back on this moment as the moment they fell in love.

JLA: the Secret Society of Super-Heroes #1 (2000)

[fantastic-nonsense]

Lois & Clark was such a deeply chaotic show because what do you mean they did a Clois fake married episode in Season 1 and then turned around 8 episodes later and had Lois get engaged to Lex for the season finale plot

[rissas]

lois lane from my adventures with superman and meryl stryfe from trigun stampede would be great friends and you cant change my mind

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Daily Planet Classifieds

Fandom: DC Comics, Superfam, Young Justice 98, Titans

Summary: Laney Hausler is currently attending classes at Metropolis University when he sees a boy with his face in the library. At first, he thinks he's seeing things. Later, he starts to realize something strange is going on.

Conner Kent lives off-campus with his friends, but he sees a boy who eerily resembles him, and he hires a private investigator to look into the life of his doppelganger.

Chapters: 14/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent, Conner Kent, Eddie Bloomberg, Rose Wilson, Bart Allen, Cassie Sandsmark, Cissie King-Jones, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Meloni Thawne, Vic Sage, Slade Wilson

Relationships: Past KonBart, Clois

Additional Tags: Father-Son Relationship, Father-Daughter Relationship, No Powers AU, Found Family, Family Secrets, No Powers AU, No Capes AU, Complicated Relationships, University AU, Roommates, Private Investigator, Twins, Multiple POV, First Person POV, Psychological Drama, Complicated Relationships, Unrequited Love, Platonic Relationships

Chapter Fourteen: True Romance (Conner's POV)

Mom called me a few hours after I went home. “Why didn’t you hear me when I called your name earlier?” Mom questioned. 

“Huh? Before I left the—? Before I left the house?” I asked in reply. 

“No, I saw you at the mall… I called you, and you—.”

I shook my head. “I went home. I went straight home, Mom. Did you look at his face?” I questioned.

“No… I must’ve made a mistake. Sorry, sweetheart,” Mom replied, “Did I wake you up?” 

“Nuh-uh… I just got out of the shower. I love you so much, Mom… And thanks for taking care of Bart and me this weekend. I appreciate you so so much,” I whispered. 

“I love you too, Conner. Get some rest. I’ll see you later. Buh-bye,” Mom replied.

“Buh-bye,” I whispered before hanging up. Bart climbed into my bed and started projecting a movie on the wall in front of us. I lay my head on his shoulder. He kissed my forehead like he used to, keeping his eyes trained on the screen. I craned my neck to kiss his throat, and he pulled away. 

“What the fuck are you doing?” Bart whispered. I blinked hard. 

My heart sank. It was humiliating. It was so humiliating that I darted out of the room and hid in Cissie��s bed for an hour. Cissie and Cassie weren’t home yet. I couldn’t face Bart after that. 

**

I was so excited about my brother being alive that I was practically floating on air when I returned to my regular schedule. I felt so alive for the first three weeks until I decided to talk to Reed. After class on Tuesday, I stopped by Reed’s to surprise him. I was all over him from the second I got in the door, but he seemed different. “Conner, can we talk about us for a second?” Reed questioned. 

I leaned back on his couch. “Reed, this is fun. We’ve got our whole lives to be in committed relationships. I just want to have fun right now. Is that so wrong?” I questioned. Reed sighed. “What? Are you bored or something?” 

“Yeah, actually. I’m fed up, Conner. You were in the hospital and didn’t call me. You come over to fuck, and you treat me like I’m nothing more than a dick with a voice attachment. You don’t know anything about me, and we’re not moving forward. It’s always the same thing. We’ve been together for almost three months now and nothing’s changed,” Reed snapped. 

“Nobody’s forcing you to do this. I don’t know what’s crawled up your ass tonight—.” 

“I met somebody, and I wanna know where it’s going with you before I make a decision on what to do,” Reed confessed. I don’t know why he looked so guilt-stricken. The whole point of not being committed to each other was for that reason. It wasn’t like he was cheating on me. 

“You met somebody. That’s fine. Are they looking to commit?” I asked. Reed shrugged. 

“I haven’t—. I haven’t asked him. I wanted to know where your head was at before I said anything to him. He’s been going to book club with me for three weeks now, and we’re getting along so well. He’s never been in a relationship before, so I wanted to be considerate of him,” Reed replied. He swallowed hard like he was about to be sick, and his eyes darted away from me.

I sat there with my tongue in my cheek, holding it between my teeth as I squinted at him. “Do I know him or something?” I asked. 

“Conner, what’s your last name?” Reed questioned. I’m guessing it was in reply to what I said. 

“Kent, like my dad. Why?” I questioned. 

“His last name is Hausler. You two could be brothers And I know it’s weird, but he’s so different. I met him by accident. It’s not like I meant for it to happen, but I—. I’m pretty sure it’s gonna get serious between us soon,” Reed whispered. I went wide-eyed and stared down at my lap. “Conner?” 

“I—. Do you have a picture with him?” I questioned. “Can I see him?” Reed pulled up a picture of my twin, drinking a large cup of coffee. He looked happy. I knew it was him because he had a cut beneath his brown eye. And I smiled as tears threatened to fall from my eyes. I felt sick and overjoyed all at once. 

“Conner, I didn’t mean for this to happen. I just—.”

I hugged Reed. “You should be happy… And I hope you know I’m not pissed about any of this. Thank you,” I smiled. He relaxed in my arms and returned my embrace. 

**

Something shifted when I got home that night. My heart sank as soon as I got in the door, and Bart was there to witness it completely. I wasn’t in the mood to talk to him or look at him. I went to our room and curled up in bed. Cassie knocked and entered a few seconds later. She sat at the foot of the bed and tapped my leg. 

“Back to being cold?” Cassie questioned. 

“Don’t—.”

“What’s going on, Conner?” Cassie asked. I sat up in bed and pulled her into a hug, so she couldn’t see me crying. I was just so overwhelmed. Bart entered the room and tapped Cassie’s shoulder. 

“I wanna talk to him alone for a sec,” Bart replied. Cassie quickly left us alone, and I got out of bed, keeping my face turned away from him. I didn’t want him to see me crying. I didn’t want him to know how badly I needed him. I felt like I was going to snap if he said anything to me. So, my reaction to what he said next would’ve happened no matter what. 

"Does he make love to you?" Bart asked in passing. I backed Bart into a corner, staring into his eyes, wondering why he'd say something like that. My eyes were wild, and his were filled with tears. I wanted to hurt his feelings, but he seemed to do a good job of that for himself. How could I beat that?

"What the fuck did you say?" I snapped. Bart didn't flinch. He knew I wouldn't hit him. I couldn’t hold back my hurt. It wasn’t in me to tell Bart I needed him. I would’ve rather destroyed my relationship with him than admit I had real feelings for him. 

"How does he make you feel?" Bart asked. “Did you fight?” 

"Why do you care?" I asked. Bart didn't answer. "Do you think it's funny? Do you think—?" 

"Does he hold you? Does he know you like your earlobes nibbled on? Does he make your teeth chatter when you cum? Does he make you—?"

"What do you want me to say?" I shouted. Tears fell from his big amber eyes, and I wanted to hate him for crying. I wanted to hate him for backing me into a corner while I had him pinned. I hated him because it felt like he knew I was unfulfilled in every romantic tryst I had after him. He had to know how badly he hurt me. 

"I want you to tell me you love him... I want you to tell me he's not like anyone else and you're done looking. I want you to tell me he makes you weak in the knees, and I was right to let you go. I want you to tell me I'm not hurting for no reason... Tell me you fuck him because you're in love, so I can stop worrying about you—." I kissed him, and for the first time in a long time, he kissed me back. 

"He's no you," I whispered half out of breath and deliriously desperate. I grabbed Bart by his shoulders and kissed his neck with red-hot desperation and he shut his eyes, lifting his chin as he cried. "Bart, I need you. I need you so bad. Please." I stared at him, holding back from kissing him again until he could return the favor. I backed away, giving him space to think and he leaped into my arms, wrapping his legs around me and we hit the ground. 

"Oh shit, Conner—." 

"Kiss me," I laughed.

[honeyrins]

[DC] Got a Secret? 🦇 With these two on the case, not for long! 🔎

I just think a mini series of self contained accidental Gotham-Metropolis team ups for them would be really neat! (Extra thoughts ⬇️)

Ive been chipping away at this for a few months between pieces since reading a post about them being headstrong friends so how i draw them has changed a little but i still love it!!

I forgot the plot exactly but it had to do w bruce investigating something that looks like a riddler+scarecrow team up crossing city lines, at the same time as lois investigating water-related incidents in metro

Its all a big cover for disguising a lex luthor plan i think! but i would love to read other ideas :D

[just-an-enby-lemon]

Au that everyone thinks Vicky Vale and Lois Lane are rivals but in actuality they are each others biggest fangirl. People really just take their disguised insults to different colleagues and misinterpret them as being about each other.

It lasts until the two met face to face in Gotham and they are jumping and talking excitatedly and asking each other autagraphs. Lois is going "Jimmy, Jimmy, take a picture of us please" and getting red when Olsen goes "ah for your Vicky fan Twitter account" while Vicky is looking for pens madly to get an autograph in her copy of the first Lois papper she ever read and that she keeps since. Clark is looking at scene fondly while patting Jack Ryder's back. Jack is sad cause he wanted to be included.

[long-live-astronerd-ghost-king]

DPXDC prompt. Wes Weston in Metropolis.

Lois Lane is a talented reporter and is proud of it. Her name has long been known for her scandalous investigations and  private interviews with Superman. Without exaggeration, she could call herself an extremely valuable worker of the Daily Planet.

So when she was assigned to teach the new unexperienced intern, who was completely unimpressed by her skills, Lois was more than unhappy. But the new guy was perfectly able to find common ground with people and efficiently carried out assignments, so she finally warmed up and even decided to do take him on an interview with members of the Justice League for a practice.

When they entered the room heroes were a little tense. Lois let herself be a little smug, realizing that they were used to her presence and the new man wasn’t seen as credible.

She turned to the intern to tell him something inspiring before they start to make him feel less anxious about work with such well-known personalities. And she cut herself short. The red-haired man's face expressed a strange mischievous satisfaction.

"Long time no see, Phantom. Or, should I say, Fenton."

One of the new members of the League quickly hid behind Batman and swore.

"Who the hell let Weston in here?!"

Within seconds, the conference room turned into Tom and Jerry’s film set.

"I’ve wasted the best years of my life on you, asshole! Get back on the ground and let’s talk man to man, Fenton!"

"Help!"

"I know where you live, you can’t hide from me! So listen here, you.."

"Get that damn stalker away from me!"

~~~~~~

Only at the end of the working day Miss Lane realize that Weston did not take a single photo or note during the entire evening. Wes doesn't respond to her outrage and says he's already taken care of it.

The next day, Phantom himself arrived at their office and immediately headed to Weston.

Danny: I brought a thumb drive with photos, "Mr. Jameson". May now Dobby be free?

Wes: Until next Tuesday. Paulina ordered me to drag you to school reunion.

Danny: What? Hell no, Valerie will be there. I'm not looking for death.

Wes: Not my problem, I’m still mad at you. Can't believe the photographer at the press conference where your identity was revealed was...who he was again? Oh, right, not me. Such a betrayal.

Danny: Come on, Wes, you were on vacation at this time.

Wes: Get out of here.

Danny: How to get you to forgive me? I swear on my life you’ll be the photographer at the wedding, okey?

Wes: The guarantee is so-so.

[arjudy224]

The Intern: Outreach Gala

Another uneventful day for Gotham's environmental intern...

The Intern: Gotham x reader

Prequel: Death of a family

The Intern: Day one

The Intern: The Laughing Fish

The Intern: Busy Work

The Intern: Outreach Gala

The Intern: Teachers Pet

The Intern: Visiting an old friend

The Intern: Chemical Valley

The Intern Small Talk with a Dead Man

The Intern: Billionaire Boys Club

Gotham's public library appears unrecognizable under the cloak of night. Broad leaves shroud the outside exterior of the Gothic pillars while ivy cascades down the large door frames. Harris raises an eyebrow.

"How many forests do you think Wayne destroyed in his quest to save the planet?" He questions with a smirk.

Each grey hair is perfectly gelled out of his face. Ditching his glasses for the occasion, Dr. Harris may actually care about tonight's guests. The bouncer outside the door seemed to think the dress code was not a laughing matter.

Taking his extended arm, I roll my eyes. The security guy nods to the two of us as we walk through the door.

"Professor, if you keep saying things like that Gordon's going to question your stances on Gotham's resident Eco-terrorist. " I whisper with a smile. "....but at least 12."

Thanks to the joint collaboration between Wayne Industries, Goth-corp, and the Gotham Department of Environmental Protection. Gotham City is hosting its first Environmental Outreach Gala for the nearby tri-state area.

My heart flutters a little bit as a realization hits me. I’m actually here… surrounded by giants in clean energy and the scientific community alike. Award-winning journalists... All for the future of our planet. Passing my reflection, I smile thinking of how far I’ve come from that little river rat back at home.

A figure in the corner of my eye draws my thoughts away from the Grandma debrief. Dick Grayson, the Billionaire’s son, charms the group of ladies by his side. I take a mental note to find time to talk to him when there isn’t such a big crowd. It's been a long time since we last spoke.

The walls echo with the idle chatter coming from the rich socialites of Gotham. Waiters in tuxedos maneuver silently with a tray of champagne flutes in each hand. Considering, that most environmental professionals wear cargo pants from the early 2000s to work... the dress code was definitely a choice. I scan the room for familiar faces. Gordon flashes me a smile from across the room. I nod back. The Mayor works his way around the room with a large smile. It must be an election year.

My throat gets tight. I'm not ready for this. Looking to my right, I find that Dr. Harris has vanished into the crowd.

"Y/N L/N?" A voice calls distracting me from my nerves.

A well-dressed man strolls over. Something about him puts me on edge. Maybe it's his wicked smile or the large emerald ring on his outstretched hand. He walks with an easy air of confidence.

"Lex Luthor."

My heart does a little tap dance in my chest. The tight fabric of my rental dress makes it hard to breathe. I shake his hand politely. The party-goers go quiet around us. From the corner of my eye, Lois Lane, an investigative reporter from Metropolis, shoves through the crowd. So much for being a fly on the wall.

"I recently worked with a Professor of yours. She had a lot to say about your graduate proposal."

This cannot be happening. Memories of those long fights in the lab flash in the back of my mind. Mr. Luthor's cat-like gaze observes my reaction curiously.

I cover my face in embarrassment. That woman deserves hate mail. I could have at least been asked to type or spell-check it beforehand.

"To be frank, I originally chose the topic to get a rise outta her. Dr. Hendrix had me doing dishes for 3 weeks straight after I accidentally messed up a sample, so I wrote a proposal I knew she wouldn't like."

When I finally uncover my face, Luthor stares down at me with an amused grin.

"Even so. I'd like to discuss potential funding opportunities in Metropolis. If this is something you would think up out of boredom, I'd love to see what you can do when you put your mind to it."

That brings a smile to my face.

"Really? Everyone who I've brought it up to has been apprehensive about researching Kryptionian radiation.

"We need more scientists to ask questions Ms. L/N. Even the ones, that people don't want to know the answer to. "

The sullen green glow draws my eye once again to Mr. Luthor's ring finger... Wait, that's not an emerald. That's Kryptonite.

"Is this a personal interest of yours?" I ask slowly glancing between his eyes and his ring.

"In some ways."

An unspoken conversation occurs when he notices my acknowledgement of his strange choice of jewelry. The silence only creates more questions. Why would you wear something you know is irradiated?

"I hope to hear from you soon." Mr. Luthor concludes after handing me a business card, "There is always a spot at Lexcorp for a future scientist with your talents."

I stand there in silence watching him leave. The sleek modern design of the card lists only the bare essentials: his name, office address, and contact information in silver lettering.

Four hours ago, I was hauling boxes for the decorating committee. Huh. A nearby waiter offers a champagne flute from the tray. Respectfully, I turn them down. This dress costs more than my rent.

“Oh no. Thank you. I am… working.”

"Does work-life balance not apply to interns?” A voice interrupts.

I try not to roll my eyes at the "intern" comment. The constant reminders of my status are getting old. Starting at his perfectly buffed dress shoes, my gaze drags along the fabric of his black designer suit. Dick Grayson sure does like to make an entrance. With his dark curls and friendly blue eyes, his familiar smile knocks over my defenses. Sipping on his drink, he waits for my response with a teasing grin. His energy is contiguous. I ignore his question to ask my own instead.

“Has anyone told you that you tend to appear out of nowhere?”

His striking eyes light up with a mischievous glint.

“You have no idea.” He laughs, "It's nice to see you back in Gotham. It's been a long time."

"It has. From the rumors, you have been up to quite a bit of trouble." I joke gesturing to the envious eyes from across the room.

He raises a curious eyebrow.

“Good things I hope?”

Glancing around the room, I ignore the dozen eyes staring daggers in my direction. Academia can be such a bitch.

“Nothing too crazy: a few murders, unfounded accusations, and you might be an alien?”

Dick grimaces while tilting his head ever so slightly. He swirls his drink, yet doesn't take a sip.

“Sounds about right. Anything you believe? “

I pause... Do I play coy?

“I’m not sure an alien could do a quadruple summersault.”

Something flashes in his eyes that I don’t quite understand. For a moment, I wonder if I should have held my tongue. His suspicion morphs into the first genuine smile I've seen all evening.

“You’ve kept tabs on me Y/N.”

Before I can respond, a scream causes the ballroom to descend into chaos. Vines shoot out from under the floorboards while the native plants start attacking the guest. A woman with flaming red hair paces the floor. Her vines wrap around each person one by one…. A thorny bush springs out of a fallen leaf snagging my delicate rental dress.

Dammit Pamela. We talked about this.

Glancing at the bartender's horrified expression, I frown.

“I change my mind. I’ll have that drink now.”

[picturejasper20]

So @murcielagatito recently made a post talking about the Phandom and how it is weird that the Phandom created a character like Wes to be someone who investigates who Phantom is when there are characters like Paulina and Valerie in canon that can fit that role.

I want to talk about some of the characterization/moments that Paulina has in the series since we are already familiar with Valerie and i think she fits better as friendenemy- antagonist turned ally role but that's on me.

So one thing about Paulina is that she has a huge crush on Phantom but not on Danny Fenton. In Season 1 episode ¨Lucky in Love¨ has near the ending showing that she has somewhat of an altar dedicated to Phantom in her locker.

So we know from this that she is really into Phantom and she seems to idolize him. I wouldn't say that she is obsessed with him, more like she just really likes him.

This alone builds some potential cool interactions between Danny and Paulina because of how she sees the two halves of who Danny is so differently. For her Danny is a huge loser and Phantom is a hero/idol.

Another very interesting is that in ¨Memory Blank¨ Paulina invites the Phantom trio to her quinceañera (15th birthday), which leaves the teens confused of why she is doing this if she doesn't like them much. Paulina then says the following:

She explains to them that she is inviting Danny because she has noticed a connection between Phantom showing up whenever Danny is close by, so she thinks that way if Danny comes, Phantom is likely going to be there too.

This is worth of noting because not many characters in the series realize this or go to this level to being this close to figuring out that Danny is Phantom, not even Valerie with her technology used to be this precise.

These things alone can set up for potential things to work with, with Paulina finding out who Phantom is and some potential character development for her.

Now this crush thing she has was clearly inspired by Lois Lane from Superman- but it could be written to be one sided crush and her staying friends with Danny after she learns his secret. It could also be changed in a way she really looks up to Phantom and she would like to be more like him. So it doesn't have to rely on the romance stuff that much.

What i'm trying to say is that Paulina as character has more potential to fit the role ¨person who investigates Phantom¨ than instead having to... use a character that isn't even in the series. Plus, it could give some good character development she needs- considering that in the series she was mostly a static character.

[roseandgold137]

thinking of not-robin Tim au… where he’s Lois lane’s intern (ty @mamawasatesttube ) and they go do investigative journalism on animal smuggling in the rainforest (bc I am also on a HARD zoology kick rn. I always am tbh it’s my dream career but especially this weekend it’s been at the very forefront of my mind)

kind of Rio style but that could also be bc my brain is substituting those plot points for ones I haven’t ironed out myself just yet lol. I’ll keep thinking about it. Tim may have never been Robin here but he has STANDARDS to live up to bc!! Lois lane!! Asked him to join her as her photographer for the special and he’s buzzing. And if he ends up needing a rescue from superman bc he’s too nosy for his own good and got in trouble with said smugglers well that just makes him even more like Lois so win win for him

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Daily Planet Classifieds

Fandom: DC Comics, Superfam, Young Justice 98, Titans

Summary: Laney Hausler is currently attending classes at Metropolis University when he sees a boy with his face in the library. At first, he thinks he's seeing things. Later, he starts to realize something strange is going on.

Conner Kent lives off-campus with his friends, but he sees a boy who eerily resembles him, and he hires a private investigator to look into the life of his doppelganger.

Chapters: 13/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent, Conner Kent, Eddie Bloomberg, Rose Wilson, Bart Allen, Cassie Sandsmark, Cissie King-Jones, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Meloni Thawne, Vic Sage, Slade Wilson

Relationships: Past KonBart, Clois

Additional Tags: Father-Son Relationship, Father-Daughter Relationship, No Powers AU, Found Family, Family Secrets, No Powers AU, No Capes AU, Complicated Relationships, University AU, Roommates, Private Investigator, Twins, Multiple POV, First Person POV, Psychological Drama, Complicated Relationships, Unrequited Love, Platonic Relationships

Chapter Thirteen: Open (Laney's POV)

Eddie and I slept in the same room most nights, but he seemed kind of different after a party we went to. His friend was there. So instead of inviting me to his room, he asked if I could sleep in my room alone or sleep in Rose’s room. I tried to sleep alone because I felt odd about being alone with Rose after our exchange. But, I tossed and turned all night. It was awful. I’d grown accustomed to sharing a bed. Rose knocked on my door around two, telling me she couldn’t sleep, so I let her in. “Is Eddie mad at me?” I asked. 

“Oh, no… Lane, his friend isn’t sleeping in there . You—. They’re being discrete,” Rose whispered. 

“About what?” I asked. 

Rose lay back, staring up at the ceiling. “They’re being intimate, Laney,” Rose explained.

A long silence followed before Rose spoke again. “Laney, did you see anybody at the party that you wanted to—.” I turned on my side to look at her. “Do you ever think about it?”

“Um… Not really. I’m starting to think attraction is far more than just seeing someone as beautiful,” I replied.

“Yeah. That’s how it works… And you might not be the type to meet someone at a party. Maybe you need a more lowkey event. Are you interested in dating?” Rose asked. I wasn’t sure. I’d never had friends before Eddie and Rose, so I couldn’t really imagine navigating dating life when I barely understood the inner workings of friendship. 

“I don’t know… I think I want to figure out friendship a little more first,” I answered. Rose turned to me. 

“Have you thought about your mom lately?” Rose questioned. I nodded. 

“All the time now,” I whispered. And we didn’t say anything else. I can’t remember which one of us fell asleep first. 

**

Rose made me go to the mall with her the following morning to pick up clothes for homecoming. She was adamant that I go because I’d never been to a school dance. Eddie agreed, and he said he’d meet us after he got off work. We split up around noon, and Rose told us to meet at the food court at two. I hadn’t had a run-in with the mysterious cameraman for a few weeks, so I thought it’d be fine. I went into a store to buy soap, walking around quietly, smelling things that caught my eye. I bought a few things that smelled like coffee and a soap that smelled like honey before I noticed a toy store. I’d never been to a toy store before, and my curiosity drew me near it. “Conner!” a woman shouted. “Conner!” 

The name sounded familiar, but I kept walking until I saw something that triggered a memory. It all felt like a dream. I remember holding my mom’s hand, searching for a stuffed giraffe. I remembered feeling a pain in my head as my ears rang. I passed out in that very same store. I sank to the ground in the present day with tears in my eyes. I had a mother, and she was in the city with me. My phone rang, and I answered. “Hello?” I asked in tears. 

“Lane? Are you okay?” Rose asked. 

I couldn’t catch my breath. My head was spinning, and I felt like the world was coming to an end. “I think I’m—. I can’t breathe,” I whispered. 

“Lane, where are you right now?” Rose asked. 

“Is Lane alright?” Eddie questioned in the background. I tried to focus on their voices. 

“The toy store,” I answered. 

“We’re right by there,” Rose replied, “It’s okay.”

**

Rose and Eddie dropped me off on campus, and my dad called to tell me he’d be in town for the end of the family week. So, I took that as an opportunity to ask about my mother. “Father, I—. I had a memory of my mother today… Of her taking me to a toy store. I think I—. What I mean to ask is—? Father, what happened to my mother?” I questioned as I walked around campus. 

“Laney, we should speak about this in person,” Father replied, “I’ll see you on Friday. Goodbye.” 

“Goodbye, Father. I love—.” He hung up on me. I was used to it. Sometimes, he was in a rush or something important happened that I couldn’t see. 

I felt someone run into me, wrapping their arms around me, and I almost dropped my phone. “Sorry, baby,” he whispered, “I just missed you. How about we go back to my car and…” He kissed my neck. I flinched away.

“What are you doing?” I asked. I have to admit I felt strangely warm all over when he kissed my neck. He looked into my eyes. 

“Are you still sick?” he asked. I squinted at him. “I just figured the way you talked to me on the phone the other day… I thought that you would still be in the mood. I’m sorry.”

“I don’t think I’m the person you’re talking about… Everyone’s been mistaking me for someone else. I guess we must look a lot alike,” I explained. He leaned forward, almost studying me. 

“It’s uncanny… I um—. I’m so sorry about the misunderstanding… And thanks for not—. It must be kind of tough,” he stammered. I shook my head. 

“It’s not that bad… Is he your boyfriend?” I questioned. 

He shook his head. “We’re not serious. I wanna be, but I get the vibe that he’ll stop seeing me the second I start talking about commitment. You get it. Don’t you?” he asked. 

“I’m afraid not… I’ve never been in a relationship. This is actually my first time being around people my age,” I answered, “I’ve never had friends before or anything like that.” 

“So… You’ve never been kissed before?” he asked. I shook my head, almost holding my breath. “Would you like to be kissed?” My breath hitched, and I couldn’t speak. He was attractive. I watched his lips curve into a soft ‘o’. His lips were pretty. Thick and pink. I imagined they were soft, and I found myself nodding slowly as he touched my face and leaned forward. I could hear my heartbeat in my ears as his lips brushed mine. “Part your lips like you’re whispering the word, ‘open’.” I kept my eyes shut as I obeyed him. His lips were hot and wet against mine. My lips were clumsy, but I started to catch on to his rhythm. He kissed me until I was breathless. 

I pulled away and whispered a weak, “Thank you.” He laughed. 

“I’m Reed,” he smiled as he reached out to shake my hand. 

“My name is Laney Hausler… I know I’m not the boy you were looking for, but I think the taco truck is behind the science building today. Would you like to split a burrito?” I offered. Reed nodded as he took my hand. I almost felt weak after that. I squeezed his hand, and he looked at me. 

The quiet was pleasant, but I took him behind the science building where we split a burrito and talked about books. He was an English major. I thought he was so interesting. “You know, there’s a little book club that meets off campus every Thursday night. I don’t know if you drink or not, but they have pretty good alcohol there. If not, they’ve got sodas and juice. If you want to branch out and make a few more friends, that’s a good place to start,” Reed suggested, “Here. Give me your phone. I’ll text you the info.” The speed with which I fell for him was dizzying so much that I didn’t stop to think about his confusing relationship with the boy who favored me.

[mamawasatesttube]

also i know i was being mildly facetious in that last post but for real everyone should go read ac792 right now immediately. it's a single-issue self-contained superman issue that gets into a bit of clark kent as a genuinely really good investigative journalist and also the heart of it all is just. oh man. it's about how much he cares. it's been over a month since i first read it and i'm still thinking about it. it doesn't require you to know much lore or background past like generic "superman is clark kent and works at the daily planet with his wife lois lane" so it's a very easy issue to read. and. i cannot overstate this. it got me. probably my favorite single superman issue of all time, if i had to pick one.

[chiyana]

Kon slams the door open (he doesn't, his TTK catches it before it can dent the wall, but it's the principle of the thing).

"Problem," he says abruptly, and Clark blinks at him from where he's editing his article.

"Problem?"

"Tim is a fan of Lois."

Ah. "Well, yes," Clark says, "I think he's always been one? He was sort of star-struck the first time they met." Which had been very cute, and Lois had found it incredibly flattering that in a room that had herself, Batman, Nightwing, and Superman, Tim as Robin had been practically glued to her side, hanging on her every word.

"No, Tim is a fan of Lois," Kon stresses.

"...Yes?"

"And Lois is investigating Luthor's new business partner."

"Yeah, she mentioned that, she's just looking into records though."

"She was, until she found out his new business partner is from and in Gotham."

Well, that's... concerning. Lex on his own is bad, Lex cavorting with Gotham Rogues can only be worse.

"That's... not good," Clark concedes, "but Tim can help her investigate and keep an eye on her." Kon looks actively pained. "What?"

"Clark," Kon says, "think about the other people Tim's been a fan of and how Tim's acted with them. Would you describe any of his actions as 'keeping an eye on them'?"

It's on the tip of Clark's tongue to say 'Batman', but....

But Tim wasn't really a Batman fan to start, he was a fan of Dick Grayson, of Robin and then Nightwing. Tim absolutely kept an eye on Dick in the sense of encouraging him and not letting him be down about himself, but when it came to Dick's plans? His suggestions?

Clark suddenly recalls hearing Nightwing's voice in Metropolis go 'hey wanna jump off a roof and see how long it takes Uncle Supes to catch us?' followed by Robin going 'you're on'.

And Tim is a fan of Lois. Lois, who's ideas are frequently only shelved because she doesn't have access to a grappling hook or the tech to loop security feeds - both of which Tim does have.

"Problem," Clark realizes abruptly.

"Problem," Kon agrees.

I recently watched my adventures with superman and I really appreciated how much they portrayed Lois as reckless and bonkers (as all adaptations should), which in turn had me thinking about a universe in which clark and kon have a good relationship and able to commiserate about their respective crazy human partner

ilysm MAWS lois... and so true, i'm just picturing clark and kon sitting there ("there" being "on a cloud" perhaps) going like

kon: he's so capable and smart

clark: i know the feeling 🥰

kon: but also i have recently discovered i am physically capable of getting heart palpitations from stress

clark: ah. indeed.

[thisiswhereikeepdcthings]

There's no "I" in Team but there are two in Migraine

Bruce had no issue with teamwork, despite what his children and colleagues might think. Teamwork was great. If done properly it was efficient, and it was good to have backup. Competent backup, at least. 

Bruce helped found the Justice League. Obviously he was a supporter of teamwork. 

However. 

Some teams he really could have happily lived out his life without them ever existing. 

He had a list. 

One: Dick and Clark Kent

Clark had been the first hero he had introduced Dick to. It was a move he had regretted ever since. 

He was glad the two of them got along, of course, but did they have to get along so well? 

He could withstand torture but the two sets of sad puppy eyes attacking at the same time was on another level altogether. 

Two: The Titans

Pros: Dick was making friends. 

Cons: Dick was either away with his friends, or they came home with him. Really, all Bruce wanted was to spend one week without putting out any fires caused by teenage superheroes. Literal fires, not metaphorical ones. Well, actually there were plenty of those kind too. 

Three: Dick and Jason

When Bruce first brought Jason home he wasn’t sure how Dick was going to react. And so maybe he panicked slightly and didn’t end up telling him for three weeks. In his defense, the voicemail he had left asking Dick to call him soon was left before the newspaper article came out. 

Perhaps not his best moment. 

Eventually, though, the two boys were introduced. 

There was some yelling that took place, mostly directed at him, but other than that things seemed to go rather smoothly. Assuming, that is, that smoothly meant neither of them seemed to care about getting to know the other one, and mostly kept to themselves and their own activities. 

And then, four months, two weeks, and five days after Jason first came to the manor, Bruce came home to discover the two of them had bonded over some unspoken activity that neither were willing to divulge. Alfred knew and didn’t disapprove so it couldn’t be that bad, but from then on out it was…well…

Bruce began the daily habit of checking his blood pressure. 

Four: Talia al Ghul and Lois Lane

Bruce didn’t know how the two of them had met and he didn’t want to. See, Dick, he was okay with not knowing things. Sometimes. In this one instance, at least. 

Five: Dick and Slade Wilson

Worst three weeks of his life. 

Six: Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn

He was happy for them, he really was. He just wished they could be happy together somewhere less structurally damaging. 

Seven: Jason and Harley Quinn

Explosion therapy was not a thing, despite both their arguments otherwise. They didn’t even give him a Joker effigy to blow up. They could have at least asked. He would have happily paid for that one and all the rest of them. 

Eight: Tim and Barbara

 He wasn’t that old. He knew how to use his computer. 

Nine: Jason and Cassandra

Too competent. They should never have been allowed on the same team for any game ever. If he heard one more complaint from any of his other children he was going to seriously lose it. 

And then there was that one time the two of them disappeared for a week and no one, not even himself or Clark, could find them. They had turned back up with grins and minimal injuries, and Bruce had tried to not investigate, he really had. But he needed to know, regardless of how much he regretted it later. (A lot. He regretted it a lot.) 

Ten: Dick, Jason, and Constantine

Bruce hated magic. 

Eleven: Jason, Diana, and Barry Allen

No one knew how or why the three of them had teamed up. It had been four months of secret meetings and pointed looks and minor heists that couldn’t technically be traced back to them but Bruce knew. And then there was the regular day-to-day hero-ing. Diana, he could understand. That’s what she did. Jason? Had always been vocally opposed to getting too involved with the Justice League, but had also always looked up to Diana, so maybe that was understandable? Allen? The man was retired. And he wasn’t suddenly out of retirement for some reason, no. He was just there to “lend a hand” to the other two. 

At least Bruce could comfort himself in knowing Jason was spending time with two respectable individuals. It was certainly a step up from his unfortunately ongoing acquaintance with Rayner. 

Twelve: Stephanie and Hal Jordan 

They should never have been allowed to meet. It was a disaster. For Bruce. 

Jason had been the one to introduce them, as he had proudly let Bruce know after the first breaking news cycle hit.

Thirteen: Duke and Damian 

Bruce would have told Jason how thankful he was that he was acting as the moderating adult influence with those two if he didn’t think Jason would start doing the opposite out of spite. 

Jason would make a great parent someday. 

Bruce would love a six month vacation. 

Fourteen: Alfred and Martha Kent

He didn’t really need to explain this one, right? Everyone could just move on, continue with their lives and so on and so forth. 

Fifteen: Damian and Batcow

Because a boy needs a cow and a cow needs an emotional support duck, turkey, cat, dog, rabbit, goat, and raccoon. Apparently. Tim and Jason were, in Bruce’s opinion, far too enthusiastic to provide research as evidence whenever needed (or not needed, as was usually the case).